New National Dementia Strategy Guidance For Commissioners

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 15 Apr 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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A new Alzheimer's Society guide providing vital advice on how to commission services for people with dementia and their carers in line with the National Dementia Strategy has been launched.

The free guide is aimed at commissioners of health and social care services and is available now from http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

In February Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson announced a £150 million investment in the National Dementia Strategy. Dementia: What every commissioner needs to know explains first steps, how Alzheimer's Society can help and how delivering on dementia fits into the broader commissioning agenda. It gives a break down of the number of people with dementia in each PCT, estimated financial cost and projections for the future.

Andrew Chidgey, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, says, 'One million people will develop dementia in the next ten years. The National Dementia Strategy is a momentous opportunity to avert a dementia crisis that could overwhelm the NHS and social care.

Dementia is the health and social care challenge of the decade. Alzheimer's Society provides service provision and advice to commissioners. By working together we can meet the challenge that the National Dementia Strategy presents and deliver a world where living well with dementia is possible.'

Notes

- 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.

- Alzheimer's Society research shows dementia costs the UK £17 billion. This figure is predicted to treble in the next 30 years.

- 700,000 people have a form of dementia in the UK, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. This will soar to 1.7 million people in UK by 2051.

- Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.

- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

- Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Source
Alzheimer's Society

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